Effect of Acetazolamide on Sleep Disordered Breathing in Women and Men

HighCycle Study: Effect of Acetazolamide on Sleep Disordered Breathing in Women. A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind Parallel Trial.

Phase 4 Interventional University of Zurich · NCT06498531

This study is testing if acetazolamide can help healthy men and women aged 18-44 with sleep problems while traveling to high altitudes.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 4
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment270 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 44 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Zurich Academic / other
Locations1 site (Bishkek, Bishkek)
Trial IDNCT06498531 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial evaluates the impact of acetazolamide on sleep disordered breathing in healthy men and women aged 18-44 years who are traveling to an altitude of 3600 meters. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either acetazolamide or a placebo. The study aims to compare the effects of the medication between genders, focusing on premenopausal women with regular menstrual cycles. The trial will include individuals who have lived at lower altitudes and are free from significant health issues.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are healthy, non-smoking men and women aged 18-44, living at altitudes below 1000 meters, with a BMI between 18 and 30.

Not a fit: Patients who are pregnant, nursing, or have certain health conditions such as anemia or allergies to acetazolamide will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide insights into gender-specific treatments for sleep disordered breathing, potentially improving patient outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: While studies on acetazolamide have been conducted, this specific focus on gender differences in sleep disordered breathing at high altitude is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Healthy, non-smoking men and women, age 18-44 years, without any diseases and need of regular medication (including oral contraceptives).
* BMI \>18 kg/m2 and \<30 kg/m2
* Born, raised and currently living at altitudes \<1000 m
* Written informed consent
* Premenopausal women with an eumenorrheic cycle

Exclusion Criteria:

* Other types of contraceptvies (hormonal intrauterine device, vaginal ring, subcutaneous injections or implants, among others)
* Pregnancy or nursing
* Anaemic (haemoglobin concentration \<10g/dl)
* Any altitude trip \<4 weks before the study
* Allergy to acetazolamide and other sulfonamides

Where this trial is running

Bishkek, Bishkek

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Sleep-Disordered BreathingSleep disordered breathingPeriodic breathingPreventionAcetazolamideAltitudeHypoxiaWomen
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.